What is a good amount of money to take on a cruise?

How much spending money should you bring on a cruise?

$100 per port. Yeah, that sounds…right. I always bring about that much.

And $200 for tips? Seems fair. I always tip extra, though.

I usually carry at least $700 on a 7-day cruise.

It’s just…better to have it, you know? It stresses me out otherwise.

I hate the way that debit card feels in my pocket. Cash feels safer. Old-fashioned, I guess.

Let me break it down a little.

• Port expenses: $100 per port is a good starting point. Some ports are cheap, others not so much.
• Onboard tipping: Allocate $200. It helps a lot, even with prepaid gratuities.
• Unexpected costs: This is the big one. Something always comes up. Souvenirs, an extra drink, a fancy dinner, a sudden gambling urge. Always factor that in.
• Emergency Fund: $200 as a safety net for something unexpected that isn’t fun.
• Currency: USD works most places, but check beforehand if visiting a more obscure location.

I prefer cash because I feel more in control. I know myself, and I know I’d overspend with a card. Plus, there’s something…authentic about paying with cash, isn’t there? Or is it just me? Oh well.

What is the best currency to take on a cruise?

US dollars. Simple.

Cruises often prefer USD. Deal with it.

Credit cards? Fine. But cash is king. Especially onboard.

• Avoid exchange rate headaches. Seriously.
• USD transactions are smoother. Trust me.
• Tipping. Don’t forget. Small bills.

Pre-trip exchange offers better rates. Don’t be naive.

My last cruise, 2023, Belize. USD worked perfectly. Got my change back. No issues.

Local currency is sometimes a gamble. Unnecessary risk.

Avoid ATM fees. Plan ahead. Learn basic currency etiquette. Its a small world.

How to take money on a cruise?

So, you wanna hit the high seas and stay solvent, eh? Like, avoid ending up selling seashells by the seashore after the cruise? Gotcha. Ditch the pigeon post, and learn the ATM ropes.

Onboard ATMs are like…uh…land ATMs, but bouncier, and possibly haunted by seagulls. Finding one’s easy, even for landlubbers!

• Deck Plan Dive: Your ship’s map, that thing gathering dust next to the shuffleboard, prolly shows ATM locations.
• Crew Clues: Holler at a crew member. They’re basically walking cruise Google Maps. Just ask.
• Plastic Power: Shove that debit or credit card in there. Not a library card, trust me, I tried.
• PIN Punching: Enter your PIN. If you forgot it, well, that’s on you, buddy. Good luck explaining that to the ATM.
• Cash Grab: Choose your amount. Remember those fruity cocktails add up fast, sheesh.
• Receipt Retrieval: Snatch the cash and the receipt. Evidence, in case of… kraken attacks? Never know.

Here’s the real deal, though, things aren’t so simple:

• Fees, fees everywhere! These ATMs are notorious for higher fees. Think tourist trap times ten. Budget accordingly or just accept that the captain is getting a cut.
• Credit card cash advances: Oh boy. Using a credit card for cash? Prepare for interest rates that’ll make your eyes water. You’ve been warned, mate! My uncle tried that once, and he now lives on a small island selling… well, you know.
• Daily limits exist! Don’t expect to withdraw your life savings at once. The ship needs its cut too.

Alternatives? Oh, there are alternatives! Like bringing actual cash. Remember when that was a thing? Or pre-paying for stuff! Think of it as forced vacation savings, and avoid ATM fees.

Should you bring cash or card on a cruise?

Cash is king, or at least a pretty useful prince, on a cruise. Think of it as your secret weapon against grumpy bartenders and surprisingly expensive souvenir shops. Cards are fine for onboard charges – your room becomes a magical money-sucking vortex. But seriously, who wants to wait for transactions during the perfect sunset?

Cash is your friend in port. Many smaller shops, especially those charming little places that sell ridiculously overpriced trinkets, only accept cold hard cash. Avoid the disappointment of missing out on that totally essential miniature Eiffel Tower.

• Tipping: Cash ensures your cabin steward gets the full appreciation they deserve. Not doing this is, let’s face it, a cardinal sin. Think of it as a tiny bribe for fluffy towels.
• Ports of call: Surprise! Those picturesque villages might not be as up-to-date on payment technology as your local CVS. I speak from experience – a disastrous encounter with a grumpy fruit seller in Santorini taught me this valuable lesson.
• Unexpected expenses: Emergencies happen. It’s much easier to deal with a minor catastrophe with actual money.

Onboard, though, charge it to the room. It’s all fun and games until you see the bill. Then it’s a bit like uncovering your mother’s old credit card debt. Yikes. My last cruise, the bill felt as heavy as my suitcase full of regretful purchases. And yes, that was in 2023. The cruise lines seem to have mastered the art of subtly depleting your bank account. It’s a talent.

Do I need local currency on a cruise?

It’s 3 am, and this cruise thing… I’m still thinking about it. Cash. You’ll need some local cash. Definitely.

Small amounts though. Don’t go overboard. Seriously. Think pocket money.

The ship’s got exchange, I know. But the rates? Probably awful. Port too. Same story, usually.

Credit cards, that’s the smart move. Much safer. Much more convenient. Cards. Always cards. For everything.

Key points to remember:

• Local currency needed: A small amount, but essential.
• Onboard exchange: Available, but rates suck.
• Port exchange: Same as onboard. Avoid if possible.
• Credit cards: The best option for spending. Use them.

My brother went on a cruise last year to the Caribbean, spent a fortune on excursions in Nassau, Bahamas, and he had to use cash at almost every local spot, he said. He hated it.

I wish I had more time to think this through. It’s so much to take in. Sleep is needed.